Incumbent city councillor Dave Wilbur is seeking a second term on city council.
Wilbur said he wants to see through the work he started in his first term.
"I campaigned on the safety issue, downtown development and creating jobs. We're just on the cusp of some really good news and I want to be around for that," Wilbur said. "I'm sure you've seen a new beginning in downtown. I think as as consequence the community, and downtown in particular, is safer."
Wilbur said he has been a voice for fiscal restraint in light of the challenging economy. He advocated for a re-examination of the costs of the new RCMP detachment, now under construction at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and Victoria Street.
"I take some degree of pride that the [RCMP detachment] working group actually made a difference. That was about $8 million we managed to not spend," he said. "A vast part of that was convincing everyone we could go with above-ground parking."
The current economy is still fragile and the council to be elected in November needs to be more vigilant in controlling costs, he said. The proposed performing arts centre downtown is one area where council should consider holding off spending until other levels of government come to the table, he said.
"I'm a fan and supporter of the performing arts centre... but I'm cautious about the timing," he said. "My dilemma is not just the capital it will take to build it, but the ongoing operating deficit it will create."
Wilbur has lived in Prince George for 38 years and recently retired from his practice as a lawyer. His volunteer involvement has included roles on the board of the Prince George Airport Authority, being chairperson of the Fraser Fort George Community Futures Development Corporation and provincial Community Futures organization, the board of Progress Prince George and Hospice Prince George.
"My mantra is, follow what common sense would dictate. I'm a strong, independent and thoughtful voice on council," he said. "I think my background and experience with community development have proved particularly useful on council."
